On April 18, 2026, the Chronic Diseases Clinic of Ifakara (CDCI) at the Ifakara Health Institute held a dissemination meeting for an HIV study, underscoring a clear message that people living with HIV who achieve and maintain viral suppression cannot transmit the virus to their partners.

The meeting, held at the institute’s offices in Ifakara, Morogoro, shared findings from a U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) study conducted under the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort (KIULARCO) in Ifakara, Tanzania, and Kasangati, Uganda. The study, carried out between July and August 2023, focused on sero-discordant couples.

A total of 60 participants attended, including healthcare providers, community representatives, and 35 sero-discordant couples. The session was led by members of the CDCI team, including counsellors Leila Samson and George Mfanando.

Presentations focused on three key areas:

• U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable): Consistent use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) leading to viral suppression prevents sexual transmission of HIV. 
• PrEP: Highlighted as an effective prevention option for HIV-negative partners at risk. 
• Patient and Public Involvement (PPI): Emphasized the importance of involving communities in research and healthcare decision-making.

The meeting also addressed treatment adherence, stigma reduction, disclosure, and the importance of routine viral load monitoring. Participants—particularly sero-discordant couples—shared their experiences, creating space for peer learning and support.

The session concluded that increasing awareness of U=U and expanding prevention strategies such as PrEP are critical to improving HIV outcomes, with continued community engagement needed to sustain progress